Reflections on the latest incident: Killing and Burning in Benghazi

I’m not sure I fully grasp why there is so much violence and rage in the Muslim world that is directed toward America, but I understand some of where it’s coming from. The major reason is that the United States is seen as an aggressor, interested in pursuing her own interests, and pushing her own agenda. “Case in point,” say the Muslims: “President Bush went in to Iraq under false pretence and felt God was on ‘our side.’” Most Muslims think oil and influence in the Middle East were major concerns. I don’t think this is completely fair but everything we do is not necessarily right and noble. When some Muslims lash out at such a time as this, they are striking out in blind rage because they feel helpless, oppressed and victimized. It is true; they have been oppressed, in many cases by self-serving dictators who have not allowed freedom of expression. Most have absolutely no concept of the First Amendment.

Q Was this a revenge attack for the killing of Osama bin Laden?

I don’t believe it was a revenge attack for the killing of bin Laden, because many Muslims came to see through bin Laden as cruel, selfish and violent. PEW studies show most in the Muslim world had already turned away from al-Qaeda and bin Laden knew it. Pakistanis were upset by what the Navy Seals did because they were revealed to be weak, inefficient and incapable of maintaining law and order on their own soil. They were dishonored and shamed by their own weaknesses.

Q Given the fact that this movie came out last July was this a coordinated operation?

There might have been some planning by extremists in Libya (and Egypt); because no doubt extremists want to stir up trouble, but I don’t think it was coordinated. Having lived through an attack on November 20, 1979, when a false rumor had it that the United States and Israel had taken over the Ka’aba in Mecca, my sense is this was the same. It was spontaneous, perpetrated by the Ayatollah Khomeini, taken at face value, and we were the objects of their rage. At that time, the United States Embassy in Islamabad was burned to the ground, and the lives of two Pakistani guards were lost. In Benghazi, Ambassador Stevens and three other Americans were killed because insecurity was not enough to protect them. It is very, very sad that lives were lost and I grieve for the families of these victims.

Q Isn’t freedom of expression an American value?

Yes, it is an American value, and it’s worth fighting for, but the fledgling democracies we see in much of the Muslim world have little or no concept of the freedom we cherish. I suspect it will take decades for some Muslim societies to get to where we are today. At the moment, religious sentiments trump freedom to say what you want, when you want, and how you want. When things don’t happen overnight, we say the Arab Spring is dead. Muslims see a Reverend Terry Jones burning copies of the Qur’an, and endorsing the film “Innocence of Muslims,” which he apparently did. Unfortunately, truth is mixed with lies in what they hear. To them, it is a conspiracy to defame Islam and denigrate Muhammad. They don’t understand us and we don’t understand them, and I believe this divide will stay with us for years.

Q Is it pandering when the Obama Administration condemns the film?

I don’t think so. Reluctantly, I watched the 14-minute trailer, and understand why it would inflame Muslims. There is undoubtedly some truth in it, but also certain unproven theories and historical errors about the life of Muhammad. He is portrayed as a homosexual and as pedophile. He was not a homosexual, and though he did marry an underage girl, and consummated the marriage when she was nine years old, he does not fit the pedophile profile. A pedophile is one who gets sexual fulfillment from children. Other than A’isha, his wives were adults, and many were war widows. The film mixes truth with fiction in order to taunt Muslims into violence. It was created with sinister motives.

Q Aren’t Muslims inconsistent?

There is no question that Muslims are inconsistent, but I am heartened by the fact that some in Libya took out processions saying they condemned the killing in Benghazi. From a Christian standpoint, the killing was done by those “whose feet are swift to shed blood” (Romans 3:15). Is this excusable? No. It is reprehensible, cruel and wicked, but what can we expect? These are people who do not know the Lord. They have never experienced the new birth, and they are not filled with the love of God. I am angered by the action in Benghazi, Cairo and recently in Islamabad, where a little Christian girl was accused of blasphemy. But I’m also angered by those who seek political gain from this incident. It is not true that President Obama is a Muslim and soft on terrorists. It is not fair, nor is it accurate, to say that all this happened because of Obama. It is simplistic to say that respect for the United States is falling in the Muslim world because of this Administration’s policies. I would have expected a presidential candidate to think first, do his research, and then speak in measured tones.

Q How should we then respond?

To be honest, I have struggled with this myself, and I can only speak of what I think is the Christian reaction. We do not hate Muslims and do not even hate Islam. The Christian response should be to love truth, but not to stir up religious hatred, animosity and violence. We should not want Muslims to perish; rather we should want them to come to the knowledge of the truth (II Peter 3:9). We expose falsehood, injustice and cruelty, however the impression I have from some Americans, including some Christian Americans, is that they couldn’t care less what happens to Muslims. I’m not saying ‘Sam Bacile’ (the man behind this infamous movie), or Steve Klein who pushed it, are Christians. I am angry at how the Muslims have reacted but also at the producers and endorsers of this film.

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9 Responses

Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Dr. Larson. I think that there are many Christian Americans that think of themselves as Christian first and American second. But I think there are probably as many who as Americans first (Christians second)… though they may not recognize this about themselves. I struggle with which one of those I am, and the reason I point this out is to say that your advice in “How should we then respond?” is excellent advice to people who are Christians first.
But I also think there are many people (including me) who cherish freedom of speech as much as we cherish any Bible-based philosophies/doctrines. And there is a greater disconnect between those people and (what I understand to be) a common Muslim mentality. Muslims seem to approach issues from the point of view that freedom has the dictates of Islam and the Koran as a boundary. Americans (and other so-called “westerners”) – especially those who do not approach issues from “what does the Bible say” point-of-view – often look at things from a “protection of my individual rights” point-of-view. It is very easy for Americans to point to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and identify their “inalienable rights”, that must be preserved above religious concerns.
It seems to me that that is the major disconnect between Americans and many Muslims (particularly those that live in Muslim-majority countries).
As we find out more about “Sam Bacile”, it does seem like he is a sinister person who intended to stir up trouble. If it is discovered that his family was actually discriminated against by Egyptian Muslims, that is an added facet of this story. But no matter what his beliefs, religious affiliations, family history, etc. is – his intentions were not to helpfully promote understanding between people. And so, I think it is fair to criticism him and express our disgust at his bigotted attack on Islam.
BUT, in any crisis that pits the principle of freedom of speech (and expression) against any religious group – including Muslims – we citizens who make up the United States of America, and the government that represents us, must be unwavering in our commitment to this foundation of our democracy; and sooner or later, the world has to understand and accept our inability to compromise on this commitment – including the commitment to free speech and political/religious expression by bigots and morons with whom we vehemently disagree.
I don’t think that what I have written disagrees with your points, which are clearly written with an intent to help Christians and Muslims understand each other better. But I think that the biggest disconnect between Muslims in Muslim-majority countries, and Americans (Christians or not) relates to our belief that free speech/expression trumps religious concerns, and I don’t know too many Americans who are willing to compromise this principle in order to have better relations with Muslims in other countries.

Dr. Larsen, Respectfully, I couldn’t disagree more, with the exception of your answer to the last question concerning our(Christian) desire for Muslims to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A short answer to your question concerning “why” this happened: hate. You know as well as I that hate does not need a reason only opportunity, though you attempt to , almost apologetically, explain the reason as something deserved on the US’ part due to the invasion in Iraq, or our misunderstanding of Muslim culture, their lack of individual rights…..
While you explain this is who they are, seemingly victims of ours, of their govts, of their religious leaders, and you are sickened by what they did, you counter this by claiming to know the sinister heart and motives of Sam B, yet offer no claim of this person(s) possible “victimhood”. He made a movie which many in the US believe had nothing to do with the embassy murders. You failed to mention the cartoonist killed in Denmark or Belgium also. Yet, if the movie thing is true, doesnt it point more to the hate of Muslims to non-Muslims than to the oppressed fighting for their rights? You know them better than I, but who is more opressed than muslim women, by the way?
Also, please with the whole Obama is not a Muslim, and is not soft on terror, and somehow, though not mentioned by name, but implied, Romney’s misinformed, politically motivated actions speak almost more to a personal bias than to truth.
Obama may not be Muslim, though he was raised, influenced in its culture, admittedly influenced by his father, whom he saw once, yet extols his values and their roots. He is certainly seen as soft on terror, and the best judge of this is the intelligence community.Not me,not you.
In short, I believe evil is as evil does. Muslims kill because they’re Muslims. You know this. They admit this. They take credit for it. They celebrate it.
Respectfully,
Jeff Mefford

Sorry, one more thing. Even if your argument is right in EVERY aspect, and we get to the pivotal question of why these hideous events took place, ” but what can we expect”:
Many people who don’t know the Lord do not lash out in murder when they are belittled, ridiculed, oppressed. No matter the reason for our
(eveyone’s) sins, we will be held accountable, eventhough Islam teaches their adherents that rewards will be had for murder. That’s kind of the crux isn’t it?

Yes, Jeff, many people in the world do not lash out in such a reprehensible way. But many in western culture lash in out lascivious ways. Paul lists a whole litany of things in Romans 1-3, and ends up saying “There is none rightous, no not one.” So I’m saying is that what some Muslims are doing is something like Saul of Tarsus was doing before he met Christ: he thought he was doing what he was supposed to do. I don’t think it’s fair to Islam to suggest that anyone who ritos and kills others does so, hoping to gain paradise. Not true.

Jeff, I didn’t say I think their viewpoint is justified; rather, was stating what I believe the perception is among many Muslims. Yes, I did not mention the Denmark, or Belgium incidents, but am aware of them. Of course, some Muslims hate (but not all) and I quoted Romans 3:15 “Their [meaning those who carried out this horrible act] feet are swift to shed blood,” so I’m certainly not excusing them. I am saying, though, that they are doing what their old nature wants them to do, and will do so, until they experience a change of heart. I said I was angry. I’m really suggesting they [and all of us] need the gospel, more than democracy, and anyting else we have to offer. I don’t agree that Muslims kill because they’re Muslim. If that were true, we wouldn’t have seen any killing until the 6th century; there has been lots of killing ever since Cain killed his brother, as well as all kinds of other stuff. The problem is not Islam and the solution is not America; although we have tried to help, and by the grace of God, still do lots of good.
‘

Those are some great observations Warren. I am also concerned over how the politics of these protests is strategic for fundamentalist Sunni extremism. There should be a difference between our personal Christian response and America’s national response. Censoring free private speech that insults the Prophet of Islam (as many seem to be calling for) eventually results in censoring speech that insults any self-appointed government of Islam. It aids and abets emerging religious totalitarianism, discourages dissent against Sharia law, and undermines repealing Blasphemy laws.

Dr. Larson, Jeff and Bruce –
I think this is a valuable conversation – from all sides – and I hope that the discussion will continue. I give Dr. Larson credit for beginning the discussion, and for allowing his blog to be a forum for him and others to state their views. There are plenty of groups all over the Internet (probably) who are discussing the recent goings-on in the Middle East, and (probably) debating free-speech rights vs. trying to understand and work with the Muslim countries. These countries are important to our national interests, and to the world, and the people who live in them are important, as fellow humans. One thing unique, though, about this particular discussion is the Biblical approach to having a tolerant/understanding attitude towards Muslims that (its seems) Dr. Larson represents.

I really worry about Americans having an attitude that I would sum up as “who cares why the crazy Muslims do the bad stuff they do.” That is 20th century thinking that I hope will fade quickly. We have to go out of our way to understand the Muslims and the thinking behind their various attitudes. They represent a significant portion of the population of our world, and peace for the whole world in the 21st century depends on achieving a high level of tolerance between Christians and Muslims – from both groups. I hope no thinking Americans take the attitude that trying to understand this important group of people and identify – and then explain – their reasons for their attitudes and resulting actions is the same as being “apologists” for the radical Muslims, and the things they do. I can’t think of a better way to say this: Understanding why a (large) group of people thinks and acts the way they do is always valuable, and people with particular experience and insight into the Muslim world-view should absolutely take the time to share their thoughts; and must not be labeled as “apologists”.

Similarly, I worry very much about Americans making the ignorant assumption that all Muslims participate in, support, or even agree with many of the heinous acts that certain Muslims (or Muslim groups) have committed. There are heinous and evil “Christian” groups with whom I would never want to be associated (e.g. the Christian Identity groups). I hope and pray that no Muslims would assume that just because these groups call themselves Christians, they represent the mainstream views of all Christians. Muslim extremists do not represent all, or even most, Muslims, and it would be deeply ignorant of us to think that they do. There are far more peace-loving and non-radical Muslims than there are American-flag-burners, members of Al-Qaeda, etc. At a film festival that I attended a year or so ago, I saw a film about a prominent (Jordanian?) Muslim who is campaining against Al-Qaeda in the Muslim world. His main argument? Al-Qaeda terrorism has resulted in far more deaths of MUSLIM people, than non-Muslim. The numbers that were quoted in the film were shocking, and I am sorry I don’t have them handy but it was something like 10-to-1. The people who have been most negatively affected by the Muslim radicals in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, etc. are the innocent MUSLIMS who live in those countries. I find any attitude among “westerners” of “Islam is a hate-filled religion, Muslims are just radical violent people, and the violence that we see on TV is just a natural outcome of their hateful religion” to be incredibly ignorant, and deeply troubling. Devastating wars that affect all humanity in this new century are going to be started by people who think like that.

And lest anyone accuse me of defending or justifying the horrible things that certain Muslims/Muslim groups have done: I hate all terrorism and all acts of violence against innocent people. I want to see the perpetrators hunted down and brought to justice. The death penalty is certainly an appropriate punishment for these people, and I am glad that both major political parties in the United States seem committed to making sure this happens.

But it is absolutely valuable for people to make the effort to understand how Muslims look at things, how events (including actions by the U.S.) are viewed in the Muslim-majority countries, how the typical Muslim worldview affects their opinions, etc. ASSUMING OUR COUNTRY’S INTENTIONS HAVE BEEN NOBLE IN ALL CASES, it is still valuable for us to understand how a Syrian national (for example) might view the U.S. as an overbearing, crusading, imperialist country meddling in the Middle East with nefarious intentions. ASSUMING THEY ARE DEAD WRONG, it is still valuable for us to understand why they think that.

Dr. Larson takes this one step further. He understands that you don’t change people’s minds simply by opposing them, telling them they are wrong, telling them they are all terrorists and/or their religion is just evil. So, he is trying to find a Jesus-teaching based way of approaching them and understanding their point-of-view as a first step in the direction of changing how they think.
Thank you all,
Jeremy